Govt. extends train seat reservation time to boost tourism

• Effective from tomorrow, tickets can be booked 30 days in advance as opposed to 14 at present
• Transport Ministry to introduce new trains to Beliatta, Anuradhapura, and Kandy
• Minister Bandula Gunawardena says affordable, comfortable public transport is win-win for economic development
• Discussions underway with NTC to implement an integrated transport system to facilitate travellers
• Plans to call for EOIs to manage and operate restaurants and sanitary services

The Department of Railway has extended the period of train seat reservations from 14 days to 30 days, to boost tourism and to offer quality service to passengers.

The facility will be available for commuters from 13 September. This will enable them to book their train seat 30 days ahead.

The Department said the measure was taken after considering the pent-up demand for long journey weekend train journeys, following the fuel price and bus fare hikes.

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena recently announced that they were now planning to introduce several more special weekend trains to key tourist hotspots in Anuradhapura, Beliatta, and Kandy.

“If affordable and comfortable public transport can be arranged, it will be a win-win situation to develop the transportation to be a profitable sector, whilst boosting the tourism industry for a faster revival,” he added.

Minister Gunawardena revealed the launch of luxury trains – Jaffna Night Rider and Ella Odyssey has been very successful, with both trains being full almost every week.

He also said discussions are underway with the National Transport Commission (NTC) to explore opportunities of allocating buses from the nearest railway station to the tourist cities, enabling an integrated transport system.

In addition, he said they are planning to call for Expression of Interest (EOIs) from private companies to manage and operate restaurants as well as sanitary facilities in the planned train rides.

As per the plan outlined by the Minister, Beliatta is close to travellers going to Kataragama and Yala, whilst Anuradhapura train rides are targeted at the weekend pilgrimage and cultural sites travellers.

The Government believes these measures will be helpful to both foreign and local tourists to travel using public transport at an affordable cost.